Narrow the theme to a specific topic. If the essay is based on literature, such as Ernest Hemingway's "Farewell to Arms," the complications of love and war is a viable topic. However, if the essay is historically based, writers can focus on a specific event, such as casualties during the Battle of the Bulge.
Research the topic. Using library databases or critical sources, read and analyze what the academic community is already discussing about your theme. Make sure to evaluate all sources; the Purdue University Online Writing Center suggests researchers "try to determine if the content of the source is fact, opinion, or propaganda." This is especially important with war information, as different sides tend to view results in different manners.
Write a thesis statement. According to the Online Writing Center at Purdue, a thesis statement must be a debatable statement, which is an idea people have differing opinions on. Avoid statements that are easily agreed with or easily rejected, such as "War propaganda affected how Americans viewed World War II." Instead, use a more complicated thought process, such as "War propaganda encouraged racism, as well as racial profiling, in the United States during World War II." This topic focused on a specific aspect of propaganda and its affect on people.
Create an outline organized around proving your thesis statement. Begin writing the paper based on your outline. Each paragraph must begin with a transition statement that creates a progression from paragraph to paragraph. Transition sentences allow readers to stay focused on how each paragraph relates to proving your thesis. If a paragraph is focused on how propaganda circulated during World War II, a transition between how it circulated and how it was received by consumers should be included in the next paragraph.
Conclude the essay effectively by reminding readers of your thesis statement without directly restating the thesis. According to The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina, "Synthesize, don't summarize ... don't simply repeat things that were in your paper." Create a sophisticated retelling of the essay so readers remember each argument and remember why they should side with your position.